Career and Education Opportunities for Art Directors in North Carolina

North Carolina has a population of 9,380,884, which has grown by 16.54% in the last 10 years. Nicknamed the "Tar Heel State," its capital is Raleigh, though its biggest city is Charlotte.

There are currently 1,040 working art directors in North Carolina; this should grow 11% to about 1,150 working art directors in the state by 2016. This is not quite as good as the nation as a whole, where employment opportunities for art directors are expected to grow by about 11.7%. Art directors generally formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, and packaging.

Art directors earn approximately $28 hourly or $58,260 per year on average in North Carolina. Nationally they average about $37 hourly or $76,980 per year. Art directors earn more than people working in the category of Art and Design generally in North Carolina and more than people in the Art and Design category nationally. Art directors work in a variety of jobs, including: advertising production manager, artistic director, and product marketing manager.

In 2008, there were a total of 5,497,808 jobs in North Carolina. The average annual income was $35,249 in 2008, up from $34,865 in 2007. The unemployment rate in North Carolina was 10.6% in 2009, which has grown by 4.4% since the previous year. Approximately 22.5% of North Carolina residents have college degrees, which is lower than the national average.

The top industries in North Carolina include beverage product manufacturing, tobacco manufacturing, and pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing. Notable tourist destinations include the Charlotte Museum of History, the Mint Museum Shops, and the Discovery Place & the Charlotteservr IMX DME Thtre.

Every day, art directors are expected to be able to be creative and generate new ideas. They need to see details at a very fine level of focus.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in North Carolina include:

Audio Visual Technician. Set up or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.

Craftsman. Create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, and needlecraft.

Director. Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, or radio programs.

Fashion Designer. Design clothing and accessories. Create original garments or design garments that follow well established fashion trends. May develop the line of color and kinds of materials.

Fine Artist. Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of mediums and techniques.

Graphic Designer. Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Industrial Designer. Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Interior Designer. Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

Multi-Media Artist or Animator. Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, and commercials.

Music Director. Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups.

Public Relations Specialist. Engage in promoting or creating good will for individuals, groups, or organizations by writing or selecting favorable publicity material and releasing it through various communications media. May prepare and arrange displays, and make speeches.

Set and Exhibit Designer. Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

LOCATION INFORMATION: North Carolina

North Carolina photo by Jan van der Crabben

North Carolina has a population of 9,380,884, which has grown by 16.54% over the past 10 years. Nicknamed the "Tar Heel State," its capital is Raleigh, though its most populous city is Charlotte. In 2008, there were a total of 5,497,808 jobs in North Carolina. The average annual income was $35,249 in 2008, up from $34,865 the preceding year. The unemployment rate in North Carolina was 10.6% in 2009, which has grown by 4.4% since the previous year. Approximately 22.5% of North Carolina residents have college degrees, which is lower than the national average.

The top industries in North Carolina include beverage product manufacturing, tobacco manufacturing, and pharmaceutical preparation manufacturing. Notable tourist destinations include the Mint Hill Country Doctors Museum, the Levine Museum of the New South, and the McGill Rose Garden.